Its Beginnings
Formula one has its roots in the European Grand Prix motor racing of the 1920s and 1930s. In the beginning, formula one was largely based on pre-war regulations defined by engine capacity. Although formula one was around in pre war times, it was only after World War 2 that it became official. It was founded as an official sport in 1946 by the Commission Sportive Internationale (CSI) and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile' (FIA), who also compiled the new rules of the motorsport in that same year. A World Drivers' Championship followed in 1950, where a number of drivers competed against each other on various circuits around the world for the title ‘world champion’. The first race under the new regulations was the 1946 Turin Grand Prix held on 1 September, the race being won by Achille Varzi in an Alfa Romeo 158 Alfetta, although in reality the cars were no different to those that had raced earlier in the season. In the sports new era in the 1940’s there were around 20 races held from late spring to early autumn in Europe, although not all of these were considered significant. Most competitive cars came from Italy, particularly Alfa Romeo. The inaugural constructors championship was set up in 1958 whereby each of the teams competed the races throughout the season to see which team gained the most points, the Italians teams dominated in the early years such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati.